| The first educational workshop of the 1st Innovation Competition of the Metropolis of Lavreotiki and Mesogeia “Innovate East”and the 9th Innovation Competition “Blue Growth Piraeus 2024”, of the 1st Innovation Competition of the Metropolis of Lavreotiki and Mesogaia“Innovate East” and the 9th Innovation Competition“Blue Growth Piraeus 2024”, organized by the consulting company Break Even Consulting and the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Support Organization Evolve Entrepreneurship, was successfully held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 16:00, at the Amphitheatre of the National Technical University of Athens. During the event, participants had the opportunity to attend a hybrid presentation on the Business Model Canvas, presented by business professionals, as well as on the innovation strategy they should follow to develop their business ideas. The event was opened by Ms. Athina Alatini – Entrepreneurship Consultant at Break Even Consulting, who briefly introduced the two competitions. Innovate East is an initiative of the Metropolis and aims to bring together various organizations in the Region of Attica – through the presence of eight Municipalities – businesses from Eastern Attica, as well as the wider academic community, with the aim of providing support. Regarding the other competition, Blue Growth Piraeus is an initiative of the Municipality of Piraeus, now running successfully for its 9th consecutive year and playing a key role in shaping innovation in our country. It is also worth noting that “the life of a startup and innovation is exactly what gives importance to such initiatives – by bringing together people who think and want to see new ideas grow and become part of a dynamic ecosystem.” |
The floor was then given to Ms. Maria Gavriil – Chief Operating Officer of Evolve Entrepreneurship and Mr. Kostas Kiosas – Business Development & Operation Manager at Evolve Entrepreneurship. The specific organization is one of the most long-standing start-up support organizations in our country. It began its journey in 2012 and, to date, has financially supported 37 companies across more than 20 different sectors, with a total of more than €6 million.“We strive to foster innovation and upgrade the entrepreneurial ecosystem in our country and abroad, and through our collaborations with other companies, such as Break-Even Consulting, to implement initiatives such as interactive workshops that provide substantial information and tools for strengthening entrepreneurial ideas.”
The workshop program was divided into three parts. The first two focused on the presentation of Innovation Strategy and the Business Model Canvas (BMC) tool. The third and final part included a Mentoring session, during which participants had the opportunity to discuss with mentors issues related to the entrepreneurial proposal and receive valuable guidance.
The Mentoring Committee of the Innovate East and Blue Growth Piraeus competitions was represented at the event by Ms. Nektaria Marava – Project Manager at Start-up Piraeus & PRAXI, Ms. Lydia Papadaki – Researcher at the Sustainable Development Unit of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Ms. Katerina Papadouli – Head of the Technology Transfer Office of the Agricultural University of Athens – InnovinAgri, and Mr. Marios Bilalis – Environmental Scientist at the Department of Environment of the University of the Aegean.
